OCTOBER 16, 2013

Small crowd expected for Vettel crowning in India

Sebastian Vettel looks set to celebrate his fourth consecutive title win next weekend in front of a muted Indian crowd.

Race organisers Jaypee, who will not host a grand prix in 2014, have admitted that only 20,000 tickets have been sold so far for this year's edition, where Vettel only needs a fifth place to wrap up his latest title.

"The excitement surrounding the event is less compared to past editions but we are confident of having the turnout of 2012," said Jaypee chief Sameer Gaur.

"The latest number I have is that 20,000 tickets have been sold," he admitted, adding that he expects sales to pick up considerably in coming days.

Vettel and Red Bull might be forgiven for being disappointed they did not wrap up the title last weekend in Japan, where a huge and passionate crowd always gathers.

"How disappointed are we with a one-two finish in one of the best races strategically ever for this operation?" exasperated team boss Christian Horner said at Suzuka.

"We'll go to India and take that weekend as we have here and if we score more points than the others then we'll win the championship," he added.

Mere days after India, formula one will head to Abu Dhabi for the spectacular and hugely popular twilight race.

In total contrast to India, organisers of the Yas Marina event are expecting a sellout as usual, with less than 2,500 tickets still available.